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Living In Light : Casa Vidrio Shines in Cape Coral

Posted on May 6, 2016

Glistening at the juncture of two wide canals, just one turn from the Caloosahatchee River, Casa Vidrio captures the essence of living bathed in glorious light. The award-winning PGI Homes model in Cape Coral sparkles from within and glows without, thanks to the brilliant imaginations of husband-and-wife builders Anthony and Tia Farhat and the creative design flair of Sydney Warren and Luanza Maitland of Norris Interiors.

This inaugural initiative between the builder and the interior design team was “an excellent experience” according to Warren. “Tia is incredible, she incorporates wonderful light fixtures into their homes and the company is very forward thinking with their surface materials. They do a lot with exterior lighting as well, taking advantage of the waterfront locations of their models.”

Anthony Farhat modeled the home after one he had originally designed for his family. “At the time, my wife and I recognized the significant shift in the market to coastal contemporary design, which we love, but wanted to keep the space inviting with a warm color palette.” The homesite sits along the water, so the view was of utmost importance which is evident in the design. “I used storefront glass along the water’s edge, incorporating large outdoor living spaces to take advantage of the beautiful sight lines along with the western exposure. The home fills with gorgeous natural colors every afternoon through sunset,” explains Farhat.

The 3,885-square-foot four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home wraps around an infinity edge pool, visually spilling into the canal beyond. “The coastal contemporary design scheme plays a lot on the blues of the pool and the waterfront,” adds Maitland. “The home’s flooring is bleached white oak which evokes the image of walking on sand and soft colors were used in keeping with the sand, sea, and air.”

“Our goal was to create interiors that were elegant and interesting, yet comfortable. The voluminous, 20-foot ceilings in the grand living area are warmed by the light fixtures and furnishings,” continues Warren.

In a house designed to shine, the lighting plays a pivotal role and is the designers’ favorite aspect. The six fixtures in the grand living area are all hung at different levels. Warren says it was a team effort among the builder, designers, and electrician to get them perfectly placed, but the result was well worth it. “The variation produces a wonderful glow that sets the mood for the rest of the house,” says Warren.

Maitland is entranced by the way the home looks at night. “It’s just incredible! It’s one of the best-illuminated homes I’ve ever seen.”

White split stone quartz covers one wall, reflecting the light cast by the three Crystorama jeweled orbs suspended from the illuminated tray ceiling. Warren and Maitland worked with the builder on the proper spacing, size, and proportions of the floating shelves. Anchored by a Fibreworks® natural sisal area rug, twin Century sofas in an off-white nubby texture flank a platinum finished cocktail table by Vanguard. The comfortable seating group is completed by a pair of custom upholstered Sherrill chairs. Sea blue velvet pillows add a touch of soft color and pick up the aqua hues in the artwork.

In the adjacent dining area, three identical lighting fixtures hang above the dining room table — a work of art in itself with dual stainless steel sculptural bases and a 60 by 120-inch glass top — that comfortably seats 8 to 10 with a combination of chairs and short banquette.

White split stone quartz covers the kitchen walls and faces the dining island, its rough texture contrasting with the sleek stainless steel appliances and “Torquay” quartz countertop surfaces by Cambria®. Platinum finished metal-based bar stools from Johnston Casuals push completely under the island’s lip so as not to break up the clean lines of the kitchen. Globe pendant lights above the island serve as a visual foil to the clean, linear design of the white cabinets by Busy Bee Cabinets, Inc. The high end appliances were supplied by Design Studio by Raymond.

The master bedroom design maximizes the coastal contemporary feel with minimal furnishings and soft colors. Sherwin-Williams’ ‘Aloof Gray’ coats the walls with calming tones. The upholstered bed from Precedent with buttonwood tufted motif and nail head border features bedding from Norris Furniture & Interiors’ private label, Kendall Calder linens. The painted wood nightstands from Vanguard have a slight bow front and a hidden beverage shelf that slides out from under the top. A pair of chandeliers with Lucite ball trim illuminates the room. The unusual asymmetrical reverse damask sculptured area rug is by Jaunty.

The all-marble master bath dances with light from ‘the bubble chandelier,’ so christened by Warren and Maitland. Plantation shutters provide clean lines at the picture window above the jetted tub. The clerestory windows were left uncovered to let in more natural light.